Raising a Baby Mouse 10/10 Weaning

[@TopFurret]

I just watched 10 videos on how to raise mice by hand. I do not own mice nor have ever owned mice. Procrastination is beautiful.

[@WanderingHermitCrab]

krumpll LMFAO SAME

[@ajaybhatia7888]

dude same, i just thought it was cute that she raised them with such care, at least in the future if i do end up getting a baby mouse i'll know how to take care of it. XD

[@latoyarn_3882]

Dude, same! I watch this whenever possible, but nor am i getting a baby mouse or have one😁Hopefully getting tho! 😍

[@mariaavila9387]

TopFurret 😂😂😂

[@АлтынайКалиева-б5и]

I NEED THIS BABY MOUSE!!!SO CUTE!!!!!!!!

[@CreekValleyCritters]

It all started ten years ago when I was a student teacher and on a whim decided to hand raise a baby mouse with my kindergarten class. I did not have a clue what I was doing, but by some miracle little Jason lived and went on to be one of the most amazing pets I had ever had. I have been hooked on rodents ever since.

[@melissai4758]

So beautiful. You can clearly tell that you genuinely care about them and love them.

[@zee6588]

I'm just sitting in my bed watching this with the abandoned mouse that was in our garage in my sweater pocket sleeping, and there is never a time where I will be happier.

[@alyssah2839]

Awww 💕🐁

[@7SSP7]

Dude defo rolled over

[@0Stella_Nutella0]

Same ❤

[@debbiecasale1773]

Omg I want updates from this!

[@linseyfitzgerald8678]

I recently was given the opportunity to raise 4 baby mice that were approximately 9 days old at the time. (Unfortunately the runt of the litter passed away around 2 weeks old) With your and Matilda’s help I successfully raised 3 healthy baby boys and they’re almost 4 months old!! So on the behalf of Feisty, Ives, Roo and I, we’d like to say a big big thank you for all your help!!

[@tutorialsbyjeca7830]

We need more people like this in society. You are a genuinely nice person, even feeding Matilda every two hours. The series of videos are excellent. You deserve more subscribers! Thanks for the tips! You have some adorable little mice there.

[@459luker]

I totally agree, what a lovely caring person this is :) heart warming to see them show such care and kindness to this cute little mouse and her family. I have so much respect for such people.

[@Hc-rt6pe]

Na they need to get stomped

[@l5098]

Hc 437 This is the most retarded comment Ive ever seen

[@pimenjoyer.221]

Kindness to rodents isn't a virtue.

[@brik32544]

I ended up with 6 orphans. They were not pinkies as they had little fur and the eyes were not open but maybe 30% to half open. I tried using the brush and also a an IV which I had modified so as to make the plastic tube smaller. I amanged to get a couple of feeds every so often. They did not want to know about my milk brew(oat milk, soy milk, rice milk, and peanut butter with water to make it not so thick). So here is what I did. Mice are quite clean. They clean themselves like a cat quite often, so i found that when they started licking their left and right sides(near hind legs) I would put a drop of milk, and sure enough they would lick it up. I could barely sleep, thinking that the mice would die from starvation. After 2 days I placed some crushed oats in their bedding and found that they started nibbling it! Oh what a relief!!!

[@BentleyS6336]

That's the same method I used for my mouse!! She would always groom her sides and hands, so I'd just wipe some formula on her and she'd lick it all off. Made sure to dry her so she didn't catch a chill and it worked!

[@creampuff9934]

Great idea. Ure so nice to do all that

[@CreekValleyCritters]

A heads up: after wild baby mice are weaned they go through a fear phase (2-5 weeks of age). Some hardly go through it at all but others can become very skittish and nervous and loose the bond they had with their human. You have to be very gentle and understanding with them during this time, no quick movements, no loud sudden noises and lots of love and treats. If they become permanently fearful and wild, then it is kindest to release them into the wild.......

[@mistguidedone]

Thank you for this ❤ a decade after this upload and the essential information you share is still helping people like me. I just found an orphaned baby mouse today and had no expectations I'd start taking care of one on this day. I just couldn't leave him to natural selection without a mother. He at least deserves a fair shot at a life whether that means domestication or being released. But this particular comment actually helps so much as does the video, thank you very much!

[@RayvenPT]

This is just so amazing. Im raising an orphaned mouse now that appears to be about 10 days old. His eyes just opened. Im introducing baby cereal and formula in the morning for breakfast. Thank you so much for making these. Its really been a huge help.

[@aw9376]

Nicole Hunter do you still have the mouse? If so how is he doing?

[@Gumblossomhomeschool]

Hi there! I'm a teacher in Australia and I had two class pets (mice) who I was told were both female... However, one turned out to be male, as I found out the week the female suddenly expanded like a balloon. After the litter was born, the adult mice both suddenly died! Because I didn't want my kids to be disappointed (and I'm a little soft) I hand raised 12 of them... Yeah. I know. I didn't sleep much. It was a very interesting learning curve for the kids, though... They helped me feed them during class time and I got the whole class doing it together, every two hours, paint brushes, kitten milk, warm water and ear buds... I lost 3 mice along the way, but the rest have done really well! They have started the weaning process and the babies are all very cuddly and friendly. THE PROBLEM: There is one that I'm a little worried about, though... He is smaller than the rest (noticeably), and doesn't seem to eat as much. Is there anything I can do to fatten him up/help him grow? Thank you for your videos - they guided me through the whole process! I couldn't've done it without you! Miss C xox

[@CreekValleyCritters]

This is how I also started with hand raising mice, as a class project with my kindergarten kids, but I just had one, not 12. How old are your kids ? You and they did an amazing job, the kids would have learned so much. As to the little runt, not much more you can do except to continue giving him the super care you have been giving him so far. Watch for dehydration, but otherwise hope he will catch up with his siblings once he is eating adult food. Don't forget to separate the girls from the boys once they are 4-5 weeks old.

[@Gumblossomhomeschool]

CreekValleyCritters Really? That's fantastic! Glad to know I'm not the only one who is teaching the kids about these wonderful little guys :) We did a whole project on it and wrote an information book on mice. The effect of the mice experience on the students was amazing: I had kids who couldn't write a paragraph at the beginning of the year completing a full-on information report and, not only passing, but getting A's! (I'm not sure about America but in Australia a C is a pass, a B is above grade level and an A is wayyy above grade level, quite a big deal for one kid in particular who reads far below his age... He worked very hard). Unfortunately the mouse in question (I called him Archie) stopped eating and drinking. I tried to hand feed him some formula and water, and when I got desperate I tried electrolytes, then tried electrolytes mixed with some milk, and he refused all of them... But he kept climbing into my hand and purring while he sat there, refusing to go back in with the other mice, so I think he knew he wasn't going to make it and just wanted some company. Bless him... He's in mousey heaven now. The other mice are doing ok, except for one who is losing his fur! The others just look scruffy, none of them are losing fur, they're gaining it. All about 4 weeks old, except not very big... I'm hoping at 6 weeks they will have all gained some more "adult-ish" fur. All eating dry food, all drinking formula and gradually water too... Just worried about the fur loss. Sorry to keep barging you with messages (and for this essay!) - if you don't have time to reply, I will understand :)

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Tori Condo Sorry about the little runt. I had a little one like this once, she was so sweet, always wanting to sit in my hand, loved being petted despite not being hand raised, purred a lot even at an age when most mice have outgrown it, but she did not grow and stayed very small. She only lived a few weeks after I got her. Sometimes the little runts are just not destined to make it :( As to the others they sound quite normal for hand raised baby mice, they will be scruffy, some will suffer from hair loss, they will be smaller than normal, but by the time they are two months old they will look just as big and healthy as mouse raised mice :) Have they entered the hopper stage yet ? Like puppies, young mice go through a fear stage and a chewy stage (3 to 6 weeks of age). If you want to keep them tame, you have to be careful not to scare them during this time, especially with those who have extra nervous dispositions. You also have to be careful when you carry them, they jump randomly a lot at this age and can unexpectedly propel themselves out of your hand and hurt themselves in the fall. They will also start chewing on your fingers. But they learn fast, all you have to do is wriggle your fingers, say 'no' gently but firmly, and most will stop within a few days. 4 - 5 weeks old, time to separate the boys from the girls, otherwise you will soon have more mice than you can handle. Also time to stop feeding formula, except maybe as a treat, they are at the age where a mouse mother would have weaned them by now. What are you planning to do with them now ? Are you going to keep all 8 as classroom pets ? The females will be easy to keep all together, but males are more difficult to manage, you will have to watch for fighting and if there is any, be able to separate them. Males also have a much stronger odor than females. But the little boys are wonderful and I always keep at least one, although I have mine neutered which gets rid of undesirable male characteristics. I am so glad the project went so well, something like this teaches kids so much more than what can come out of a book. They will never forget this experience, it will not only help them with reading and writing, but they will have learned a lot about life and be better people because of it. It is amazing what something really meaningful and engaging can do for kids :)

[@Gumblossomhomeschool]

CreekValleyCritters Thank you again for your reply! Sounds like you were in a similar situation to mine with my runt. Yes, unfortunately they just aren't meant to make it... Mousey heaven needs some angels! I'm gradually decreasing the supply of formula and increasing the supply of water and bigger food. Some are still chewing/suckling on the sides of the formula bowl and I don't feel like they're quite ready to go cold turkey yet. In a couple of weeks I am going to adopt them out to families (some parents of my children have requested them) and I hope to keep two females, or one female and one male (neutered... the males have gorgeous personalities, so I'm tempted to keep one). I would also like to start trying to train them to do a couple of tricks :) I will assess the personalities of them once they are old enough... They're just so small, still. They have passed the hopper stage now (only just!) and are much more coordinated. Their fur is still growing and they're very scruffy... I've just moved them to a bigger cage and they're having heaps of fun running around. I haven't encountered any nips yet. A couple of them love coming out and being held, thinking of keeping those two. It's very hard to tell what gender they are, though. I found a good website with some great instructions. It's amazing what animals do to kids... They become gentler, calmer and think about their decisions. It has been wonderful sharing this with you and reading your advice!

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Tori Condo Thanks for sharing your beautiful story with me :)

[@weirdgirl3111]

you must be sooooo tired but u know it will be worth it to see a little life running and living happily and its all worth it

[@nancyking-hoffman146]

Just like parenting but in a whole new ball game with mice not human children just as fun nerve recking sleepless nights worrys pain in the rear at times with them but in the end it's all worth it to see them blossom into a beautiful adults they become🙄💛human beings and animals alike🙄💛🐟🐿🐹🐭🐶🐺

[@CreekValleyCritters]

For a day or so you still offer them the paintbrush every few hours, but very soon they loose interest and are fully weaned.

[@xAngelxStarx]

Was raising two abandoned baby mice. One didn’t make it so I’ve been feeding every single hour panicked. Cupcake is now 10 days old but still looks 6-7 days old. I want him to make it more than anything 🖤 I hope I check back here in a year and still have my lil best bud with me

[@Alexis-gj6kz]

CreekValleyCritters Thank you so much for the helpful information on raising a baby mouse. I rescued two baby mice that were destined to be snake food, or left for death (their mother was eaten). This was nine months ago, and I followed all of your information and advice to a T and they became healthy, happy adults. I love them to pieces, and they are so extremely loyal. Thanks so very much :) From a fellow Canadian!!

[@CreekValleyCritters]

That is wonderful :) Nothing quite like a hand raised mouse.....

[@CreekValleyCritters]

One more thing: what formula did you feed them, just curious.....

[@Alexis-gj6kz]

There really is nothing like a hand raised mouse. These two are my little buddies and have made me quite the mouse enthusiast!! I used the puppy milk formula (Esbilac) and it seemed to do them well :) my doe was really fussy with it, but that just made it a little more work for me is all. She still turned up happy and healthy at 27 grams. I absolutely adore your videos and have watched them many times over. I am trying to figure out how to buy or build things like you do for my mice. Unfortunately I live in the GTA and all vets that I have asked charge upwards of 300 to neuter male mice. So my male lives alone :( but I play with him lots :)

[@459luker]

It is lovely to see how you genuinely care for these cute little animals and i love that :)

[@drubright9205]

Baby's name: "Barney" (found in barn). Small video on youtube soon, took footage today. She a very affectionate baby. Now owns real estate: terrarium (20 gallon) with proper metal lid because likes jumping straight up. How long does jumping go on? Last formula feeding is at midnight, then rest through the night. She has food/water in her abode at all times. Eating well, but still likes the brush. You became a godmother across the miles! Barney and I say thank you for your wisdom & guidance.

[@jollydestruction]

so adorable i just died from a cuteness overdose

[@CreekValleyCritters]

This is why I have not sold my horse, although I no longer ride or have the means to care for her. I have seen where horses end up and never want her there. I got her as a weanling, gave her a great attitude to riding and going places,made sure she got the best training I could afford, just in case I needed to place her somewhere if I could no longer keep her. So now I free lease her to people I trust. This way she gets the best care, gets used and I always know where she is and that she is O.K.

[@SteenElise5]

I want to thank you so much for posting these videos. I have commented a few times before while facing the challenges of taking care of my baby deer mouse, and you replied so willingly. My boyfriend and I found her when she was about 6 or 7 days old. She is around a month old now, and she is growing normally! And healthy! She is apart of the family, and probably the most spoiled mouse ever! haha She loves her grapes, cheese, and sunflower seeds! I cannot thank you enough!

[@elanianiyvwia8687]

Sweet precious tiny life!!! My sister raised mice. They are such adorable babies!!!

[@littleangellps2472]

Little Stuart... Little Matilda... THEY ARE SO SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Once he refuses his paintbrush/eyedropper a few attempted feedings in a row he is fully weaned, no more handfeedings will be necessary. How is he behaving ? Is he very bonded and trusting ? Some wild baby mice go through an intense fear period between 2 weeks and 5 weeks of age where they can loose their trust to their human. You have to be very gentle, quiet and understanding plus offer many treats to keep the bond. Some become fully wild and those are best released back into the wild.

[@ArianaK5]

It's people like you, +CreekValleyCritters that remind me people are doing good deeds in life for the benefit of another :) You're amazing.

[@gwooldrik5065]

+WeirdTaylorGaming i couldnt have said it better

[@ArianaK5]

G Wooldrik :)

[@gwooldrik5065]

+WeirdTaylorGaming XD ;)

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Here in Canada the only mice you can buy are feeder mice from pet stores. These mice are not socialized at all when they are babies, which makes most of them hard to really tame. This is why I rescued Mattie and Stu when they were still so young. Odds are they would never have been allowed to live to weaning, so the ethics of raising them from this age are not as bad, they would not have had any life had I not bought them. By hand raising them, they are super well socialized and the best pets.

[@diannemeltzer9215]

Such great videos! Found a baby mouse about 1 week old on Aug 31. Spent the next 2 weeks feeding him every 2 hours. He is now doing very well. Using his wheel and eating a variety of food. I had no idea of what to do with him after finding him and your posts were so helpful.

[@beeinthebodytorahclass2002]

How did you feed the mouse?

[@CreekValleyCritters]

If its eyes have been open for four days already it is past time for it to be weaned. You need to follow my video on weaning exactly and make sure it has water and food available at all times. Only feed it with an eyedropper if it is not eating on its own. Usually once they are eating on their own they no longer want to feed from the eyedropper and then are fully weaned. This usually only takes a day or so.Once it is eating and drinking on its own it can regulate its liquid intake and rehydrate.

[@elysiatheamazing]

I found a baby mouse 8 days ago, and its eyes still aren't open (it was quite young when I found it). I'm SO RELIEVED that I'll be able to wean it soon and actually sleep through the night!

[@UnknownMando]

So I inherited 5 baby mice that were about at the 6-7 day mark last week. We followed the brush feeding tips in your vids and now have thembweening on to the baby cereal and bread. Thanks for posting! Helped us save 5 little lives

[@Maranwe]

You just might have saved the life of 4 very yound wild mice with this. They are too old to give formula but haven't figured out the lapping water properly part, yet... thanks so much for the crisp bread tip!!!

[@CreekValleyCritters]

It is very difficuilt to find a suitably sized cage for mice at the pet store. This is one reason why I build all my own cages. If you buy from a pet store a large terrarium or a large small bird flight cage (bars no further apart than 1/4 inch) are the best, but they are expensive. I bought my big tank from a pet store half price because it was slightly damaged and they had used it. I then built a stand and a cat-proof lid for it.

[@bamflr]

(Thank you! This is the only informational video I was able to find in a short amount of time! I wish there were more of these, but for now I'm just hoping this baby mouse will make it through the night.)

[@melissacussons9033]

This Sunday it’ll be two weeks till I can start giving this mouse I’m raising food for the first time. He’s going well to the toilet, drinking plenty and trusting me more. He came into our work as I work at a vets. I offered to do this for him and it’s very rewarding! It’ll be sad when I let him free into the Wild, but I know a happy country field with many other mice for him to go to. Thank you for your videos.

[@skippyzc8608]

I found a mouse who was all alone, eyes still closed. It's been 24 hours and now his eyes are open! He doesn't look dehydrated or anything! Thank you so much for your videos. I can't thank you enough!

[@s8a2b]

You are so sweet to take care of this little baby the way you do!

[@dizbrainanew]

I had a mouse in my kitchen and unknowingly I used a glue pad to catch him. Then I started reading how dangerous those were. I managed to get him loose with vegetable oil. He seems to be fine. He is very young. I have him in a box with toilet paper tubes and paper towels and 2 small lids, one with plain water and another with Rice Krispies with a little milk. I have another container with some cookie crumbs for him. I'm going to keep him. Thanks for sharing your video

[@CreekValleyCritters]

If he is a wild mouse, they can take longer to wean. It is important to 'read' him to know what to do, every mouse is different. Keep on offering him weaning food, encourage him to eat it by offering it to him on a paint brush. Continue with 3-4 hour feedings for as long as he is interested. Eventually one day he will become weaned, they all do.

[@russcollins8140]

Update on "Lucky".My wife found (her) at work 3 months ago (May 20th). She is doing very well. We handle her each day, and she seems happy. We found Matilda's video;s very helpful.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

@MozartnMonroe I feed various weaning foods: crushed rodent block soaked in milk/formula/water, baby cerial mixed with water/milk/formula, crispbread soaked in water/milk/formula and crushed adult mouse food. I make sure they have a jam jar lid with water available, with a little bit of crispbread to help them learn how to drink. I give them greens, fruits and healthy table scraps as well. Weaning starts at around 2 weeks old and ends when they are eating just adult food at around 3 weeks old.

[@masteryamchasstudent1439]

I had one like that his name was Little Jack but he died this morning and I'm really sad.

[@lrazauskas]

I spent my whole life trying to rid my properties if mice. Today my kids found an orphaned baby mouse...I guessed 2 days old, but by your video, probably more like 9 days old. Now I'm a mouse-Dad too...thank you for all the support. I learned a ton!

[@danielgrafflin9689]

OH,,if only I had these guides raising my little Yogi. Would have saved a lot of learning the hard way, at least I had a few pointers from a vet,lest Yogi may not have made it. Thanks for this wonderful tutorial.

[@AntoNella-nt7xe]

What wonderful videos with such amazing information!! Just wanted to say thank you for being such a loving, compassionate soul. To care for those who can not care for them selves, whatever the species, is the greatest act of humanity and love

[@collinlynch6968]

Loved your set up for them...luxury :) Lucky mice to have you as their owner ^_^

[@shashiprajapati869]

thank you so much for your help...i have raised my orphaned baby rat(meezu) of 4 days old very well by watching ur vedio...this helped me alot in solving litte little problems facedown during raised my little meezu🐀...thnks alot...now my meezu is 3 mnths old healthy beautiful active nd happy too...we both love each other alot...while seeing ur vedio of matilda i alwz dreamt of when my meezu will be like matilda...so thank u for helping me through ur vedios in raising my meezu... this comment is dedicated to my meezu🐀 coz i love my meezu alot ...

[@xdreamerxxgirlx]

I love you for loving them :)

[@rschmorr]

another thank you for these videos! we've been raising a baby field mouse found while blowing leaves (he was about 3 days old) and these have been a godsend. we started ours on kitten formula and when i realized his chances looked good, i made a batch of your formula and he LOVED it. am going to start him on cereal/crackers today. and will have to find him a decent cage this weekend. hope to find some cool decor like you have.

[@amberlundgren5130]

Thank you so much for the reply, I'm heartbroken as he passed away this morning :( he was doing so well until the 6am feeding I don't know what happened by 10am feeding he was gone

[@CreekValleyCritters]

+Amber Kowalski Oh I am sorry. Sadly this is what often happens when one tries to hand raise baby mice, even if one has done everything right :(

[@rschmorr]

just touching base to let you know that our little topo is alive and well, all thanks to your videos. he was a bit slow to wean completely and i doubt he'll ever be tame enough to train, but i'm def. his mommy. he climbs into my hand from his taj mahal of home-made cages, and rides on my shoulder when i walk around the house. we have a cat and two dogs, so he has a little ball for him to run around the house. it's very gratifying to watch him chase the cat.

[@kijinyx]

Where did you get all the equipment for the tank? I'm sure my mouse would love it but don't know where you buy stuff like that.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

+Nightstar I make most of it myself, but some of it I find at dollar stores, dollshouse/miniature stores, craft stores, toy stores, pet stores and out in nature. This is what is so fun about mice, you can get very creative :)

[@themightyfloatie7174]

+I hate you stampylonghead go to no.3

[@alien8me]

Thank you so much for sharing Matilda's journey (and yours and Stuart's) through the first days of her life. You're my hero. Those little critters are very lucky to have found such a kind man such as yourself. I nearly cried at all the cuteness. :)

[@analuciaperezrivas1856]

Hello! I have seen the 10 parts of this video and I loved it. I have 4 mice: Berry, Padme, Mus and Paquito. I would like that you give me some tips on feeding, because I think Paquito is allergic. Thank you!

[@CreekValleyCritters]

The best place to go with feeding questions (and anything else to do with mice) is the website 'The Fun Mouse'. What are your little mouse's symptoms of allergy ?

[@analuciaperezrivas1856]

CreekValleyCritters since november 2013, Paquito looked like he was wet, then his hair began to fall. A few days later, he started having yellow crusts in areas without hair. I went to the vet and the doctor told me to take away the creams because these damaging his skin, the doctor prescribed some vitamins (glicopan pet) and told me to change the feed (concentrate varied) and give him ratonina, because my mouse was poorly fed, and for that reason had lowered immunity. Paquito is from a litter of 8 mice, all mice ate the same thing, but Paquito was the only one that presented these problems. However, my baby was cured quickly. So what you think? Do you think he is allergic? PD: thanks for giving me the link of the website! :)

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Ana Lucía Pérez Rivas Is he better now ? What sort of cremes were you putting on him ? If he is better now, how are you keeping him different now than before ?

[@futureidol83]

He is very sweet, calm and trusting. He loves being held and never tries to jump or run away. I don't think he's entered the hopping stage yet, but he loves his new habitat and climbs the wire, explores his tunnel and uses his wheel (and he hasn't even had his new cage/tank for a full day). He's a quick learner and I feel very intelligent. I love him to bits, but I do miss the hand feedings/babying him. I guess the little guy is all grown up and I couldn't be prouder. Thanks for your help :)

[@foxcomber]

how old is stuart, then?

[@CreekValleyCritters]

11 months old

[@foxcomber]

CreekValleyCritters I see he is pretty bigger than Matilda, nice videos and work

[@sobiakk7863]

Edison91 r😎

[@laradigiovanne]

This is adorable and SO AMAZING how you did all this work for mice to live. Matilda and Stuart are so cutee

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Her behavior sounds healthy. You could dilute her formula 25% electrolytes and 75% formula.......A lot of raising baby mice is 'feel', this is why it is so tricky. There is not too much I can suggest so far away. Just keep on doing the best you can. It sounds like she really trusts you :)

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Once they are 4-5 weeks old they are old enough to breed, this is when you must separate the males from the females. Initially keep the males together, but if you see any fighting then they must be separated and live alone. With field mice sexing can be a little more difficult, compare the mice to each other to see the difference.

[@drubright9205]

My wild baby house mouse, now 7 weeks old, found at 7 days old, eyes closed, took a while to want to wean, liked millet seeds/ mouse nuggets from pet store. I followed all directions from Creek Valley Critters, but used soft paint brush instead of Q-tip to stroke/stimulate tummy after ea feeding: 2 hours apart for 8 days, often took 10 minutes to get her to pee/poop. She is one special affectionate sweetie. Many people don't know how wonderfull a mouse can be, but you have to give it your time.

[@rebeccaelliott4261]

This was an adorable little video series! Thanks for all the awesome info!

[@drubright9205]

Day 7.Just finished a normal feeding where she took the formula off the regular brush balancing on my fingers/hand, reaching for the brush with big eyes, during frequent breaks setting new speed records in her exercise tub. Now in her bed roll made of polar fleece, in reach of finely sliced lettuce, watered cracker, millet, crushed sunflower seeds, water, in an array of the smallest bottle caps I could find. Thanks again for being available in this first crisis. Got through it with your support.

[@kerrywood407]

1 week ago today my daughter found a baby mouse or rat next to its dead mother, I have been hand rearing since she opened her eyes Sunday just gone and is so energetic eating brilliantly and growing well. I’m so happy she’s survived and is lapping formula up herself and starting to nibble on other bits too. I think she’s part of the family now because I’ve become very attracted to her. Her name is now mini mouse 🙂 she knows my voice and shoots around like a little rocket. X

[@CreekValleyCritters]

This is one reason why I enjoy mice so much, they are the perfect pet for the creative, artistic person :)

[@edwards2561]

Thanks so much for making these videos. My cat "rescued" two baby mice (9 days old) and your videos were the bible for me. One didn't make it (was scratched/bit pretty bad) but the other (Jam) is still alive and doing very well. We followed your formula and adjusted the yogurt with Silk brand (soy) which stopped the diarrhea they were having and also swapped water in it with home made pedialyte. Thanks so much again you're amazing! :)

[@jodysjewelryandcrafts6574]

The rest of the comment: Deer Mouse Ranch is a real good source for info and many thanks to both you guys and them ! We are prepared to keep these mice if they seem to be domesticated too much, but the original plan was to release them. I've rehabbed many species and it's always a big help to hear what other have done in case my 'tricks' don't work on one that I have. Your formula was a BIG help ! Many many thanks - that alone probably saved all 4 the first week of life with us. Kudos !

[@karenj4854]

Today my co-workers and I caught five baby mice at the garden center where we work. We think their mother is the mouse we found deceased yesterday. I have them at home now and am following your guidelines. You'll be glad to hear they are doing well and I plan to keep them as pets. It helped that their eyes were already open and they know how to eat. :-)

[@RudolfHuber]

Its people like you that prevent me from losing faith in humanity. Very well done and great mice.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Most mice,once they have grown out of the baby stage, are fairly clean, they tend to only go in corners. Only un-neutered males pee on everything. I put Yesterday's News kitty litter in the corners. This way the cage stays clean and smells good for about a week. Cleaning is easy, just take out the fleece, put into washing machine, replace with a fresh, clean one and put in new Yesterday's News kitty litter. Much cheaper, easier, looks nice and the mice love it, it feels good to mousy feet :)

[@jerryc3201]

Nice job! Its nice to see someone take time out to raise such cute little creatures

[@leilanihauth5901]

I have so enjoyed watching Matilda grow into a little mouse! Stewart is such a good big brother/Daddy mouse. Thank you for sharing again :-)

[@toxicxodrug]

Thanks so much for being here and making these videos! My boyfriend and I have been raising 2 baby field mice. We've had them about 1.5 weeks and they are now 2.5 weeks and we are trying to wean then but having trouble with one! Thank you so much for this help!

[@CreekValleyCritters]

If you are just giving him water right now, then he will not have any poop to poop, but should be peeing. What formula are you feeding him ? Is his tummy bloated looking ? Or is he very skinny and wrinkly. You may want to get some electrolytes for babies.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Once you open the can of liquid kitten formula, it does not last that long in the fridge, I would not use it for more than three days. Powdered is better. It needs to be diluted with 2x the recommended water when in the dry form, the liquid form also needs to be watered down. If your baby has problems that require electrolytes, then you first need to mix the formula with water and then add the electrolytes to dilute it further. Kitten formula is good for baby mice.

[@haleyb3144]

My friend has a premature mouse and I just want to say thank you because your videos have helped her so much

[@CreekValleyCritters]

One thing you could try is to every day at the same time, scatter food around his cage, do not have a food dish for him, make it so that he has to find his food. If you scatter food every day at the same time, say when you come home from school, he will soon look forward to that time. Mice just love the game of 'find the food'.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Yes, but remember that like humans mice are omnivorous so you have to keep the diet balanced, they do need some protein. Basically a mouse can do nicely on a healthy human diet, they are very similar to us in their nutritional requirements.

[@strawberrybanana165]

I'm probably giving your video a thousand extra views just from replaying it to hear that song! It's perfect for the video btw, and so cute and upbeat : )

[@RieKawamura]

Sooo cuteee *-*! Congrats! You did an excellent work :)! Thanks for sharing with us this beautiful experience

[@monolith_grizzly9198]

thank you, these clips have help me get some incite into rising mice.

[@drubright9205]

I am your enthusiastic supporter/client on "everything mousy", could extend to being a children's book/cd supporting kids on how to be a human being in the realm of our connectedness that makes all life precious. Lost my 29 year old Arab, Karti, this past April, found my little mouse in his barn, a tiny messenger and I believe no accident. Thank you for the largess of your heart.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

She is a wild mouse so she will be much more active, intelligent and agile than a domesticated mouse. Think of Matilda but even more so. She will always be an amazing jumper plus she will live longer, wild mice live on average 2-5 years compared to 1-3 years for domesticated mice.

[@sharayashipbaugh3223]

I just found a wild pet mouse that was looking up A lot of videos until I saw this and it was very nice to see how you care for a baby mouse a lot of people just throw them away and it’s so nice to see other people we need other people like you

[@CreekValleyCritters]

He sounds like a super high energy mouse, many wild ones are. It is good he has learned to eat on his own. As long as you see him eating regularly from his dish, he should be alright. Weaning usually only takes two or so days anyways. Make sure he has a jar lid with water/bread as well as crushed dry mouse food so he can start learning to eat adult food. Healthy human food is also good for them.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Does your baby have any symptoms of dehydration ? Sometimes dehydration can lead to the bum becoming swollen and red, at least this is what happened to my kittens when they were dehydrated. As soon as they became hydrated again the swelling went away. Check out the video on dehydration in this video series.

[@lissetteamores9058]

I just found one baby yesterday and he’s already opening his eyes, he’s a wild one and is the first time for me

[@overlandrcadventure]

Great series of vids,I watched em all. I’m presently raising three wild babies that I found on my driveway.We’re on the fifth day and things seem to be ok. They’re all eating the formula I made for them and seem to be getting stronger.As they are wild I intend on setting them free eventually.Thanks for all the well documented info.

[@Yeshua144]

Awesome series, i enjoyed them very much, thanks 4 sharing and may your mouse thrive with great health :)

[@drubright9205]

Raised a wild house mouse baby, found when she was 7 days old, now is 7 weeks old. I have not used any food bribes to have her come and sit on my hand. But she comes to be stroked along the jaw, top of the head and around the ears. Goes completely limp in my hand and this stroking can go on 10 minutes or longer, she will take it as long as she can get it from me. My totally enclosed steam shower equipped with tree branches etc is our play area where we go once a day for an hour of complete fun.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

If you bottle raise a baby animal from when it is very young, it will see you as mom/dad and not be afraid. Animals you buy in a pet store were raised by their natural parents and if their human caretaker did not handle them when they were very tiny, they can grow up not trusting people. You have to win their trust when they are grown up and that is a lot more difficult.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Between 2-5 weeks of age, mice go through a fear/hopper phase. Some go through such an extreme fear phase that they loose their trust in humans. With wild mice it seems about 50% become wild and 50% stay loving and tame. The wild ones need to be released into the wild once they are old enough, the trusting ones can be kept as pets. Domesticated mice also go through this phase but not as extreme, you have to be extra gentle/understanding, offer lots of treats and love to keep their trust.

[@lalaloodeedoo]

Matilda is so cute!! And thanks for your videos they are very helpful

[@jademckinnon-cote2065]

Your videos have been so helpful! Im trying to learn as much as possible incase i run into a little mousy needing help. Which I have before but sent it off to someone who knew what they were doing. Love the videos!

[@katnordstrom6104]

I just rescued some abandoned baby mice and these videos have been a lifesaver.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

All my hand raised mice have grown up to live healthy lives, living normal mousy lifespans. The scruffy stage only lasts a week or two, it starts when they are around 10 days old until they are around 4 weeks old, then it is over and they are beautiful mice, no different from mouse raised mice, except that they are totally trusting and very bonded to their human mom. It is one of the most beautiful relationships you can have with an animal, a hand raised mouse is a magical pet.......

[@CreekValleyCritters]

@tigers3010 I am sorry :( Unfortunately this is very common. When you find an orphan you do not really know how long it has been without milk and warmth. It can be very weak by the time you get it. Also it may have been abandoned because mom knew it was not healthy or mom was sick and so the babies were sick too. To be successful with hand raising something as delicate as a baby mouse, you have to do everything just right, which is hard for first time mouse raisers to do.

[@dontlikenumbers]

A couple of days ago an adult mouse fell into a bucket of water that my husband had set up for sharpening lawn mower blades. The mouse died. Last night we found a baby that was walking around chirping, it's eyes still shut. I started watching your videos and it has been very helpful, but I can't afford to get all the supplies. I put some seeds and peanut butter in it's tank and some water and I am trying to keep it warm. It made it through the night.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

Try feeding it some porridge as well, it needs soft, moist food at this age. You could also use your blender to blend together water with bread, or nuts, or oats, a tiny bit of honey and then try feeding it this. Otherwise at a pinch you could give it lactose free cows milk, if you are buying milk anyways. Goats milk would be even better. Try the 'lapping' feeding method: place some food just in front of the baby on the skin of your hand and allow it to lap it up, many baby mice this age prefer being fed this way.

[@maggiea6301]

Thank you for this I just rescued a baby field mouse and I’m doing everything I can to keep him safe and healthy

[@CreekValleyCritters]

If you plan on releasing them, do not handle them too much from now on, you do not want them to bond to you and trust humans too much. You need to wait until they are around 4 - 5 weeks old to release, so they are eating independently and are fully mobile. You need to make a release box for them, this will give them a place to go as they learn the ways of the wild. 'The Deer Mouse Ranch' website has more info on releasing wild mice.

[@pluto3442]

Hey there! If my mouse has had her eyes open for a few days and is happy sampling wet foods (rice, cereal, etc) that are left out for her, then how often should I be feeding her milk (during both day and night)?

[@CreekValleyCritters]

She is doing well, just do what feels right to you, a lot of raising baby mice is art, sort of like riding horses, you have to go a lot by feel. It is neat how many people who are into mice also are into horses. They are somehow similar, despite the huge size difference, it is hard to explain. I just know that my two favorite animals are horses and mice.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

If you are planning to keep them, you need to win back their trust, especially with the little one who brushes against you. This little guy has the potential to make a great pet.

[@CreekValleyCritters]

That's great :) 1.) at least every two hours if using milk, a little longer if using water 2.) offer her baby cerial plus dry adult food (crushed), water/crisp bread, before you know it she will have weaned herself. 3.) use a water bottle once she is 4 weeks old, at first make sure she still has other water available, make sure the water bottle is working,they learn to drink from water bottles all on their own 4.) as long as she is getting water/milk and eating other food, don't worry about it